Poughkeepsie High School principal on leave amid testing probe

POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. -- The principal of Poughkeepsie High School and another administrator are on leave as the district investigates whether some students were given improper accommodations during Regents exams.

The Poughkeepsie Journal reports the investigation started after staffers noticed dramatic differences in some students' Regents scores in January compared to last June. Students who failed an exam in June retook it in January.

Investigators are looking into reports of students being given extended time for taking the three-hour test and other special accommodations.

Principal Edgar Glascott said state education law gives him the authority to provide accommodations to students with "developing disabilities," such as test anxiety. Nevertheless, he and an assistant principal volunteered on Thursday to take administrative leave while an investigation takes place.